John 18:10-11
TThen Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”
Jesus’ distant relative, Solomon, wrote that “…there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” He went on to write. “…a time to kill, and a time to heal…a time for war, and a time for peace” (Ecc. 3:1, 3, 8b). King Solomon was acknowledging a simple yet profound principle that we see at work in nature, as well as in the affairs of men and of the LORD himself: There are different “seasons” at different times, and what might be the right course of action in one…is the wrong course of action in another. Jesus’ first encounter with the group that sought his immediate demise is a perfect example.
“…having a sword…”
Peter was armed. Jesus had allowed him to keep a weapon on his person. When Peter used it, Jesus didn’t tell him to throw it away…he told him to put it back in its sheath—to re-holster his weapon, per se. That’s a fascinating—and important—detail that most people miss. Does this mean Jesus wants all of us to carry a weapon? Certainly not. Modern life in America isn’t exactly like roaming the dusty roads of Israel by night. Self-defense is fine, but contextual. The bigger issue in today’s passage is timing and purpose. “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword,” Jesus said to Peter (Mt. 26:52). If you choose to use deadly force to advance God’s agenda, you will only serve to usher in your own demise by the same means.
“The servant’s name was Malchus.”
Why did the Holy Spirit lead John to include this guys’ name in the narrative? Peter didn’t just attack a member of the opposing team…he attacked a human being made in the image of God who Jesus was getting ready to die for. Perhaps Malchus went on to become a follower of Christ and that is why his name was included, but even if he didn’t, it remains critical that we don’t dehumanize the people we oppose…or who oppose us. Jesus certainly didn’t
“…shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”
Peter’s poor choice was in direct conflict with the expressed will of God. That is indeed a bad plan. I can appreciate that he acted out of love and concern for his master…but it seems that he had temporarily forgotten just who his Master was. His bravado in the garden would shortly be replaced by his cowardice in the courtyard. The LORD is perfectly capable of handling anything that fallen mankind throws at him, and His actions are always perfect for the season. Sometimes our walk with the LORD is peaceful…quiet…and calm. But there are other times when the season changes and brings with it discord…chaos…and pain. Jesus trusted His Father’s will in every season, and we should, too. We also need to consistently appeal to God for wisdom and discernment…whether it be for our personal lives, or for determining our place and role in the affairs of men and our nation.
